Colourful and creative Basingstoke Festival returns for 2026

Basingstoke Festival 19th June - 5th July

Three Weekends, credit Paul Blakemore

What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.

What's on in Portsmouth, Southampton & Winchester?

2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do.  The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront  — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.

What's on in the Hampshire countryside?

Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.

From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.

Gin Cocktail Masterclass at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Top Events in Hampshire

Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.

What's on in Hampshire this weekend?

To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break. 

Staying overnight?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation

Hampshire events near me

The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island. 

What's on in Hampshire

Inspiration

  1. BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair
    1. 1 May 20263 May 2026
  2. Winchester Books Festival 2026
    Winchester is a city steeped in history and with…
    1. 17 Apr 202619 Apr 2026

Number of results:

Number of results: 153

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Wedding Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Friday September 11

    4:30pm-7:30pm

    Planning your unique wedding day? Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for an enchanting evening to discover what your dream wedding day could look like at the Hawk Conservancy Trust!
    Filled with wedding inspiration,…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Sept 2026Open 16:30 - 19:30
  2. Steam to the Solent with the Steam Town Shanty Crew

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Arvia, Liberty of the Seas. Mein Schiff II and Norwegian Star depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026Open 14:30 - 18:00
  3. Yarmouth Carnival Week

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Yarmouth

    Yarmouth Carnival Week on the Isle of Wight Events every day of the week at Yarmouth Carnival from Saturday 15 August to Saturday 22 August 2026 - come and join in the fun!

    Family fun activities all week There are a variety of family fun…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026to22 Aug 2026
  4. Isle of Wight Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Newport

    The award winning Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest up and coming acts.

    Dates

    From:
    18 June 2026to21 June 2026
  5. The Custom And American Show

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of the Custom and American Show on Father's Day, Sunday 21 June 2026.

    With hundreds of cool American motors, colourful custom cars and bikes, live music and hip entertainment, this is a family show not to be…

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  6. The Big Christmas Present Hunt

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Running over the Christmas school holidays, Saturday December 12 - Sunday 13 and Saturday December 19, 2026 – Sunday January 2, 2027

    10:00am – 4:30 pm

    Can you solve the mystery of Santa's missing present sack this Christmas? Bring the whole family…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
    From:
    19 Dec 2026to2 Jan 2027Open 10:00 - 16:30
  7. Isle of Wight Walking Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Islandwide

    Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, sponsored by Outdooractive, will return in Spring and Autumn 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    9 May 2026to17 May 2026
    From:
    3 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026
  8. Great South Run Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    Portsmouth

    The world's premier 10-mile event returns to Southsea in October 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026to18 Oct 2026
  9. Simply BMW

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply BMW on Sunday 20 September 2026.

    BMW owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum parkland for a superb day out for enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  10. A Royal Hunt: History Re-Enactment Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of The History Re-enactment Weekend on Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 July 2026.

    Join us for an immersive family-friendly weekend where history comes alive with The Marquess of Winchester's Regiment. Step back in…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  11. Isle of Wight Garlic Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festivals

    Sandown

    A heady mix of country fair, pop festival and a vampire’s worst nightmare, this festival offers everything for the family!

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026
  12. Ryde Children's Carnival Day

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ryde

    Ryde Children's Carnival Day on the Isle of Wight Join Ryde Carnival for some free family fun as we celebrate Children's Carnival Day. Lots of activities and entertainment will take place in different locations around Ryde town centre. 

    Family…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  13. Painting party with The Paint Club at Dark Arts Bar

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Southampton

    About the Event
    Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.

    Each artist…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    27 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    24 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    22 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    26 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  14. Simply Mercedes

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Mercedes on Sunday 9 August 2026.

    All Mercedes-Benz owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the museum grounds for a superb day out for owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  15. Angola's Birthday Bash

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Running over the May half term, Saturday May 23 – Monday June 1

    10:00am-5:30pm

    Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust over May half term as they celebrate their Secretary Bird's eighth 'hatchday'!
    The Trust are throwing Angola a week-long birthday party,…

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to1 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:30
  16. Steam to the Solent with the Southampton Salty Sea Dogs Shanty Band

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Norwegian Sky and Seven Seas Grandeur depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on…

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 14:30 - 18:00
  17. The Southampton Rum Festival at The Hobbit Pub

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Southampton

    The Southampton Rum Festival is back at The Hobbit Pub for 2026

    Saturday 25th July 2026

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026
  18. Beaulieu Bikers' Day

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Beaulieu Bikers' Day on Saturday 6 June 2026.

    No matter what the age, make or model of your motorbike, the Beaulieu Bikers' Day is open to all. So pull on your leathers and ride into Beaulieu for a great…

    Dates

    From:
    6 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  19. Ventnor Illuminated Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ventnor

    Ventnor Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in with the carnival fun of Ventnor's Illuminated procession!

    Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026
  20. Summer Ball at Oakley Hall Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Oakley, Basingstoke

    Back by popular demand, we are delighted to once again be hosting our annual Summer Ball!

    There is no evening quite like the annual Summer Ball at Oakley Hall Hotel. Set within our stunning 315 acre countryside estate in the heart of the Hampshire…

    Dates

    From:
    6 June 2026Open 19:00 - 23:50